April 21, 2003

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State posted nine NCAA qualifying marks at three different meets over the weekend. Kati Smith set a new GVSU record in the pole vault as she cleared 11'6.25" and to become the first female to reach the NCAA qualifying mark at the Eastern Michigan Twilight Meet. Natalie Ewing broke her own school record in the 3,000, as she qualified with a time of 9:45.57 at the Indy Relays hosted by Butler.

The Lakers also won four different events. Krista O'Dell took first in the 1,500 meters as she qualified with a time of 4:32.34 in Indy. Alex Baker won the 400 hurdles in 1:03.03, and Ashley Thomas was first in the 400 meters (56.57), with both times hitting the NCAA provisional mark. The 4 x 400 relay squad took the final first place finish with a time of 3:52.52. Also qualifing in the 3K behind Ewing, were Shannon Antvelink (9:59.38), Megan Doerr (10:09.24), and Leanne Budde (10:11.07).

Becky Meyers placed second in the hammer throw at the Saginaw Invitational with a toss of 162'2", which is an NCAA qualifying mark.

GVSU will compete this weekend at the Gina Relays in Hillsdale on Saturday, April 25.